European Waste Catalogue codes

Any controlled waste that is collected in the UK must, under Duty of Care, be covered by a Waste Transfer Note or, for Hazardous/Special Waste, a Consignment Note.

One of the requirements of these documents is to describe the waste. This will require some written description that will vary according to the waste carrier, but it will always require a EWC code. This is a list of wastes that has been produced by the EU to standardise the description of waste across Europe and to enable waste to be recorded, monitored and controlled more effectively.

There are a number of common codes shown below, but the wastesupport.co.uk search engine developed with the Environment Agency enables a code to be rapidly identified using a word search or by drilling into the chapters.

The Environment Agency has produced an excellent Guide which has general guidance, a section that alphabetically lists hundredsof different waste types with the codes next to them and then has a list of all the codes with sample waste types. This is provided in on-line form through wastesupport.

The European Waste Catalogue is made up of approximately 650 different codes divided into 20 chapters, each of which contains a number of sub-categories. Wastes that are considered to be hazardous are denoted by an asterisk in the list. Each code is six digits and many codes are double entries where there will be a code for the non hazardous version of the waste and another – with asterisk – for the hazardous version. There are also codes that end in 99 which are used for ‘waste not otherwise specified’. Generally, the Agency does not like these to be used as a waste description on Transfer Notes and Consignment Notes.

When choosing a code, the EA require the following steps to be applied:

Step 1. Try to identify where in chapters 01 to 12 or 17 to 20 the waste is produced (i.e. the industry or process from which the waste arose, including household or similar waste). Using the information outlined in the bullet points above, identify the appropriate six-digit code for the waste, excluding codes ending with 99.

Step 2. If an appropriate waste code cannot be found in chapters 01 to 12 or 17 to 20, then the next step is to examine chapters 13, 14 and 15.

Step 3. If none of these waste codes properly describes the waste, try to identify whether the waste is described in chapter 16.

Step 4. If a suitable code still cannot be found, choose a 99 code from the appropriate chapter in Step 1.

Most mixed waste from commercial premises tends to be categorised under one number – 200301. However, this code is only supposed to be used where it is genuinely a complete mix of wastes. Where there are more than one waste types mixed together eg carboard, office paper and plastic bottles, separate codes should be shown for each although generally, the Agency preference is to use a single code with an appropriate written description.

Some of the most common codes are shown below which also illustrates the double entries.

Tightening Agency enforcement demands increasingly stringent compliance with permit conditions. We operate a
personalised service that takes ownership and delivers excellent value. We can prepare and submit the full
range of Environmental Permits for regulated facilities including Installations, waste operations, aircraft
dismantling sites and mobile plant. We can manage liaison with public bodies and can handle all necessary
planning requirements.

environmental management systems

Sites operating under the Environmental Permitting regime are required to have an Environmental Management
System. We can provide cost effective EMS preparation with built in scaleability to ISO14001 and the option
of an on-going maintenance package.

packaging regulations support

We have a range of options to help reduce or remove the burden of data collection, registration and on-going
compliance. From basic data verification through to complex data assessments, we can ensure obligated businesses
fully understand their obligations and can provide impartial advice on the most suitable options.

training and education

With the increasing burden of environmental legislation being imposed on UK businesses, it is essential that
they have personnel that understand the key requirements and maintain the necessary records to minimise the
risk of prosecution. Our main course covers the full range of waste legislation whilst more specific courses
focus on producer responsibility and hazardous waste.

recycling optimisation audits

Waste reduction is now considered by business leaders to be one of industry’s highest priorities, requiring
detailed waste audits and effective action plans. We can provide expert practical assessment combined with
completely impartial recommendations to ensure that businesses are able to meet their CSR expectations cost
effectively and sustainably.

farm compliance services

Farms are now becoming increasingly subject to waste legislation. Many farmers find it hard to stay up to date
with all the new infrastructure, operational, and paperwork requirements at the same time as keeping the farm
operating on a day to day basis. We have a range of services able to take the burden from farmers and to ensure
they are fully compliant including Permit applications, NVZ and farm waste exemptions.

compliance audits

The wide range of waste related regulation under which waste producers and waste management businesses have
to operate can often leave them exposed to non-compliance, either of themselves or their service suppliers.
Our Compliance Audits provide full-flow assessments of all waste activity on site as well as source and destination.

appeals

The demands on permitted sites from regulatory controls are making is increasingly difficult for operators to manage their sites within the expectations of the Environment Agency. The new powers for the Agency to suspend Permits where they believe there is a risk of pollution is leading to many operators being subject to enforcement action that could effectively put the operator out of business. In many cases, the this action may be challenged through an appeal.

registration services

Businesses must ensure they are registered for an array of waste related obligations. Hazardous waste
producers, waste carriers, exemptions, packaging, batteries and WEEE registrations can often be onerous and
time consuming. We can provide businesses with a complete registration management service to ensure deadlines
are met and registrations renewed.